Retail sales in October 2012 edged up a fractional 0.7% or by $0.2 million. Among the broad retail sectors, motor vehicle stores posted the strongest sales activity of 43.3%, while retailers of building materials experienced a 24.4% dip in sales.

Residents returning to the Island declared overseas purchases of goods valued at $5.3 million during October 2012, 7% or $400,000 less than the $5.7 million declared in October2011. Combined local and overseas spending totalled $87.2 million.

After adjusting for the annual retail sales rate of inflation, measured at 2.2% in October 2012, the volume of retail sales fell by 1%.